Post navigation

While extension cord safety is a year round concern, use of these devices is often more prominent during the holidays due to the increased use of electrical lights and decorations. By following a few simple safety guidelines hopefully you can help prevent dangerous mistakes with extension cords this holiday season.

Purchase cords from authorized retailers. Never use an extension cor that does not carry the certification label of a recognized testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Intertek (ETL) or Canadian Standards Association (CSA). Keep all outdoor extension cords clear of snow and standing water and well-protected from the elements.
Make sure extension cords are properly rated for their intended use – indoor and outdoor – and meet or exceed the power needs of the device being used. Examine cords before each use. Cracked, frayed, or otherwise damaged cords should be replaced immediately. Do not overload exension cords. Multiple plug outlets must be plugged directly into mounted electrical receptacles, they cannot be chained together. Extension cords are meant to provide a temporary solution and should not be used as a long-term pr permanent electrical circuit. Do not run cords through walls, doorways, ceilings or floors.

811 is the phone number you call before digging to protect yourself and others from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines.

There are millions of miles of buried utilities beneath the surface of the earth that are vital to everyday living like water, electricity and natural gas.

811 is the federally designated call before you dig number that helps homeowners and professionals avoid damaging these vital utilities. When you make the free call to 811 a few days before you dig, you’ll help prevent unintended consequences such as injury to you or your family, damage to your property, utility service outages to the entire neighborhood and potential fines and repair costs.

Cooking equipment is the leading cause of home fire injuries, followed by heating equipment.

During 2010–2014, roughly, one of every 338 households reported a home fire per year.

Escape PlanningAccording to an NFPA survey, only one-third of Americans have both developed and practiced a home fire escape plan.

Almost three-quarters of Americans do have an escape plan; however, less than half ever practiced it.

One-third of survey respondents who made an estimate thought they would have at least 6 minutes before a fire in their home would become life threatening. The time available is often less. Only 8% said their first thought on hearing a smoke alarm would be to get out!

In case of an emergency, always dial 911. Below are a few links to up to date weather information, and pertinent power outage and storm information from local electrical providers.

You can always get up-to-date storm information for you are by visiting the National Weather Services webpage, CLICK HERE to be transferred.

Duke Energy is helping its customers track the storm, keep up to date on coverage and relay outage alerts all from their online portal. To report an outage visit the below site or call 1.800.POWER-ONCLICK HERE to be transferred to their site.

Union Power Co-Op is monitoring Hurricane Irma and keeping their customers in mind. To report an outage visit the below site or call 1.800.794.4423CLICK HERE to be transferred to their site.